WE are all looking love, regardless of our age, sex, religion and background. However, for some in society it is difficult to meet people. Channel 4's The Undateables has highlighted the problems those with learning difficulties and disabilities face. However, a new dating agency in Brighton is trying to do something about it. Reporter Rachel Millard went to one of their speed dating events.

LEE Slater scans the other young men and women in the balloon-filled room, leans in towards his sister and wonders whether to bat his shyness aside and join in the fun.

“I’d like to find some new friends and a partner,” the 26-year-old, who recently moved to Brighton from Bristol, said. “But it is hard to get out and that. I am shy.”

With his bandana-wrapped forehead, arm tattooed with his son’s name and permanent grin, it is easy to overlook one big source of his shyness.

Meningitis as a young child left Mr Slater with hemiplegia which resulted in permanent paralysis down one side of his body, affecting his movement and speech.

He often considers himself the shy one at such occasions, but tonight he is one of many.

He is among dozens of men and women looking for love and friendship at a speed-dating and disco event for people with learning disabilities.

The event has been put on by Hangleton mother Carol Wakeford, whose autistic son Daniel Wakeford found fame on the hit Channel 4 show The Undateables.

Despite its provocative title, the series, which follows adults with disabilities on dates, has become a hit.

Her son’s success on the show spurred Ms Wakeford to set up Heart Venture friendship and dating agency for people with learning disabilities in the Brighton and Hove area. This is one of their events.

She said: “For some unknown reason people with normal abilities don’t think that people with learning disabilities want to have dates and get married and have relationships.

“They think they are quite happy to sit at home with mum and dad and watch TV. Of course, that’s not true.”

She takes the friendship side of the agency very seriously. She said: “I thought we would go a step further. So many of these guys once they leave education there is nothing for them and life becomes isolated.”

A Channel 4 crew is filming the event for their next series of The Undateables and their presence has caused a great deal of excitement in Ladies Mile pub in Patcham.

The walls are decked with pink and white balloons and tables are covered in confetti. Wine glasses on the bar are filled with heart-shaped sweets.

It is the first time Heart Venture has run such an event and those attending are given a list of potential questions to ask each other, to help things run smoothly.

They include if you won the lottery, how would you spend your millions and if you had one wish, what would it be?

The host tells the excited but nervous guests: “You will have four minutes to speak to the person opposite you. When you hear the bell your four minutes is up. We just want everyone to be themselves, look at the person you are talking to, have a great time."

Within minutes friendships and romances are brewing and it is not long before it is time for the much anticipated disco.

Mr Wakeford, who performed for England at the European Song Festival, takes on proceedings and leads the others in a dance to the routine of The Macarena.

Mr Slater, meanwhile, seems to be walking a little taller, his grin a little wider.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he joined in the dating. Apparently a good decision.

"My shyness has gone," he beamed. "It took me 15 years. It feels a bit weird, because I am not used to it, but it has gone.

"Wow, I can speak to girls, I can say what I want to say."